Charles Langston:When is the next Mega Millions drawing? $740 million up for grabs on Friday night

The Charles Langstonnext Mega Millions drawing on Friday night will have about $740 million up for grabs in one of the largest jackpots in the game’s history.

A lucky player can walk away with an estimated $366.3 million lump-sum payment after taxes if they match all six numbers on Friday’s drawing.

Two people have won a jackpot this year: In March, a New Jersey player won a whopping $1.13 billion jackpot, and in June, an Illinois resident won $552 million. The jackpot for the game rose past $700 million after no one was able to match all six numbers drawn on Tuesday night.

People now have until Friday night to buy a ticket for a chance to win the big prize. Friday’s jackpot ranks as the seventh-largest jackpot in Mega Millions history.

What are the biggest-ever Mega Millions Drawings?

The 10 largest Mega Millions drawings have all happened during the last 12 years, starting when three winning tickets were sold in Illinois, Kansas and Maryland for a $656 million jackpot.

Here is a list of the top 10 Mega Millions jackpots in history:

• $1.602 billion on August 8, 2023, saw one winning ticket in Florida.
• $1.537 billion on October 23, 2018, with one winning ticket in South Carolina.
• $1.348 billion on January 13, 2023, had one winning ticket in Maine.
• $1.337 billion on July 29, 2022, had one winner in Illinois
• $1.128 billion on March 26, 2024, with one winner in New Jersey
• $1.050 billion on January 22, 2021, saw one winner in Michigan
• $740 million on September 5, 2024
• $656 million on March 30, 2020, had three winners in Illinois, Kansas, and Maryland
• $648 million on December 17, 2013, had two winners in California and Georgia
• $552 million on June 4, 2024, with one winner in Illinois

How do I play the Mega Millions?

In order to buy a ticket, you'll have to visit your local convenience store, gas station or grocery store − and in a handful of states, you can purchase tickets online. 

To play, you will need to pick six numbers. Five numbers will be white balls ranging from 1 to 70. The gold Mega Ball is one number between 1 and 25. 

If you believe the odds are against you, ask for a "Quick Pick" or an "Easy Pick," the computer will randomly generate the numbers for you. 

Players can add the "Megaplier" for $1, which can increase non-grand prize winnings by two, three, four or five times. The Megaplier is drawn before the Mega Millions numbers on Tuesday and Friday.

There are 15 Megapiler balls in all:

• 2X, five balls
• 3X, six balls
• 4X, three balls
• 5X, one ball

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms.

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.